Happenings around the Perham area, April 17-27

The Perham Focus accepts community calendar items for publication online and in our Thursday print edition, space permitting. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either editor@perhamfocus.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.

Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, whether it is recurring or a one-time happening, and where to go for more information (phone, email and/or website). Also include whether the event is free or paid admission, and how much it costs when applicable.

Beginner Pickleball: Come to the Perham Area Community Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and dive into the world of pickleball with some beginner lessons hosted by the PACC and Elevate. Other players will teach participants the basics so they can jump right into the action. All supplies will be provided. First session is free; sign up at elevateotc.org/events to reserve your spot.

"Purple Rain" Date Night: The Underground Lounge and Comet Theater are once again joining forces for a movie date night special, featuring a 7 p.m. screening of the iconic movie, "Purple Rain," starring Minnesota music icon Prince! Couples can enjoy two drinks and an appetizer at the Underground Lounge along with two tickets to the movie, all for $38 (additional drinks and food available for purchase). Call 218-346-7969 to reserve your seats.

Free Easter Pictures: First National Bank of Ottertail is offering a free photo opportunity featuring live Easter bunnies from 12-3 p.m. All are welcome.

Family Easter Egg Hunt: North Pines Market in Perham will host an Easter egg hunt for kids and parents at the Arvig softball fields, starting at noon with a visit from the Easter Bunny. The parents' egg hunt starts at 12:30 p.m., with the kids to follow at 1 p.m. Groupings for the kids' hunt include ages 0-2, 3-6, 7-9, and 10-plus. No cost to attend, but please bring your own baskets to participate.

Family Easter Fun at the Silver Moon: The Silver Moon in Perham will host family-themed Easter fun including a scavenger hunt, coloring pages, photo ops, and some food and drink specials (kids eat free!) from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (prior to the Adult Easter Egg Hunt-see below).

Music Video Bingo: The Frazee-Vergas VFW at 120 W. Main, Frazee, will host a night of music video bingo, with sessions starting at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. No cost to play, no purchases required, and prizes will be given for every round. Karaoke will follow the last round of music video bingo. All are welcome.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt: The Silver Moon in Perham will host an Adult Easter Egg Hunt from 8:30-11:30 p.m., with live music by Jeff Oakland, drink specials, and of course, the hunt — eggs will be filled with cash, drink tokens, merchandise and more. Find the "mystery egg" and win big!

HAPPY EASTER!

Monthly Monday Matinee: Join Elevate at the Comet Theater in Perham for the theater's monthly Monday matinee and enjoy a screening of the movie "Bonhoeffer" starting at 1 p.m. Rated PG-13, this World War II-era movie focuses on the moral dilemma of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who reluctantly becomes involved in a plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and tickets are just $6 each, which includes pop and popcorn. Open to the public. Call 218-346-6225 for more information.

Medicare Workshop: The Perham Area Community Center will host a 4 p.m. Medicare workshop with members of Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota. Area residents can get their questions answered, learn about all the different Medicare options available and choose the coverage that's right for you. No cost to attend, though preregistration is requested. Sign up online at bcbsmn-retail.my.salesforce-sites.com/registration to reserve your spot.

Collectors Club: Come to the AleshirePark Townhomes community room at 692 SW 8th Ave., Perham, and join in this fun monthly gathering, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Collectors of all kinds can bring part of their collection, share their stories, and connect with others who appreciate the art of collecting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, you'll find inspiration and camaraderie here! Free and open to the public; no registration needed.

Dylan Doyle Band: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center welcomes the Dylan Doyle Band for a 7:30 p.m. performance as part of its 2025 spring concert series. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert is open to all, with no tickets required. Admission is "pay as you can," to ensure accessibility for everyone. For more information, please call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 or visit the Center's website at  www.kulcher.org .

Early Crimes of Otter Tail County: Author Janet Preuss will debut her new book, "The 13th Crime: The Ghosts of Injustice in Frontier Otter Tail County," during a 7 p.m. presentation at the Otter Tail County Museum in Fergus Falls. The author will be signing copies of her book starting at 6:30 p.m., with the program to start at 7 p.m. For more information contact the Otter Tail County Historical Society at 218-736-6038. This event is free and open to the public.

Ask Nurse Jean: Join Elevate's Connections group for an informal 10 a.m. discussion with registered nurse Jean Tobkin, Elevate's health coach, and have your questions about chronic conditions, medications, nutrition and wellness answered by an expert in the field. No cost to attend, but if you would like to reserve a meal, please leave a message at 218-347-1974, before noon on the day before (April 22.

Passport Series-Korea: Join Elevate at the New York Mills Public Library for a 10:30 a.m. coffee talk with Ryan Kickhafer, who will share his experience of living in and traveling through the vibrant Korean cities of Seoul and Busan while he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. This presentation is part of Elevate's "Passport Series," highlighting what it's like to travel abroad. Free and open to the community.

Defensive Driving Class: A four-hour, in-person defensive driving class will take place from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the ITOW Veterans Museum in Perham (805 West Main St.). All classes are now four hours; the eight-hour class is no longer required for new participants, as of July 1. Cost is $25 per person. To register, please send an email to tdlillis@arvig.net or call Denise Lillis at 605-651-3977.

Nosy Neighbor Tour-Perham Meat Market: Join Elevate members at 1:30 p.m. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes "Nosy Neighbor" tour of Perham Meat Market at 459 3rd Ave. SE and get a firsthand look at how meats are processed and learn about the exciting remodel that will enhance their operations as well as doubling their available space. No cost to attend, but registration is required due to space limitations. Sign up online at elevateotc.org/events or call 218-347-1974 to reserve your spot.

Memory Cafe: Join Elevate at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 NE 8th St., Perham, for a 1 p.m. Memory Cafe gathering, which offers joy, support, and connection to those with memory challenges, their care partners, and loved ones in a warm and welcoming environment. This month's panel discussion topic is, "How Did We Know?" Panelists will discuss the early signs they noticed that indicated their loved one may be experiencing memory loss. Please register at elevateotc.org/events or call 218-347-1974 if planning to attend.

Beginner Pickleball: Come to the Perham Area Community Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and dive into the world of pickleball with some beginner lessons hosted by the PACC and Elevate. Other players will teach participants the basics so they can jump right into the action. All supplies will be provided. First session is free; sign up at elevateotc.org/events to reserve your spot.

Mark's Fleet Supply Customer Appreciation: Come to Mark's Fleet Supply at 945 Market Street, Perham, anytime from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for a customer appreciation event featuring door prize giveaways, Milwaukee tool demonstrations, in-store-specials, and sample snacks and beverages from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Independent Bookstore Day: Big Pine Books in Perham will be celebrating the 12th Annual Independent Bookstore Day with all-day trivia, in-store exclusives and giveaways, and an opportunity to find the "golden ticket" (one will be hidden in the store) and win 12 audio book credits. All are welcome.

Sensory-Friendly Movie Day: The Comet Theater and Empowering Kids of Perham are joining forces to offer a sensory-friendly movie day at the local theater, which will host a 1:30 p.m. screening of "A Minecraft Movie," featuring lower volume, dimmed lights and freedom to move, vocalize and be yourself. Doors open at 1 p.m. Noise-reducing headphones, weighted blankets, and fidgets available upon request — or bring your own comfort items!

St. Paul's Lutheran Spring Gala: St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School of Perham will host its annual Spring Gala from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 500 SW 6th Ave., Perham. There will be a silent auction, bucket and gun raffles, "buy it now" specials and wine pulls, kids' activities and a spaghetti lunch. All are welcome.

Afternoon Tea: The Gathering Grounds in Perham will host an afternoon tea from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (seating starts at 11:15 a.m.), with a meal including assorted finger sandwiches (vegetarian options available) and treats, scones, a "bottomless" Prosecco cocktail or Italian soda and table's choice of tea from the selections available. Cost is $46 for adults and $32 for kids under age 12. Reservations required; maximum group size is 10 people. Call 218-346-7969 to reserve your spot or or visit gatheringgroundsperham.com for more information.

Cribbage Players Wanted: The Richville Community Center will host open cribbage play on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Both new and experienced players are welcome. Can play two-hand, three-hand and four-hand. Cost is $2 per person; there will be prize money. The community center is located at 100 Grove St. SW in Richville. Call Carolyn at 218-758-2162 if interested in joining, or for more information.

Tuesday Tunes: The Corner Collective Bistro in Frazee is hosting weekly jam sessions with local musicians Damian Anderson and Kyler Hanson every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Whether you like to sing, play an instrument, or would like to learn, come hang out with these musicians as they rock the Corner Collective stage. The bistro is located in the upper level of the CornerStone Youth and Community Center at 192 W. Birch Ave., Frazee. All are welcome.

Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus: Rehearsals for the new season of the Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus will take place every Tuesday from April 8-May 13 (no rehearsals May 6) at 1 p.m. in Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 NE 8th St., Perham. This is a unique choral experience created for those living with memory loss, volunteers, and/or care partners. The chorus will perform live for the public on Tuesday, May 20. Call Katie Murdock at 218-347-1974 for more information.

Grieving with Grace Support Group: Are you struggling with the passing of a loved one? Do you feel you need support to work through your grief? You are not alone. Join the open Grieving with Grace support group on the third Thursday of every month for a 2 p.m. meeting inside the Elevate conference room at 318 SW 6th Ave., Perham. Contact Knute Nelson Hospice at 320-759-4935 or trisha.zimmerman@knutenelson.org for more information.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Elevate is sponsoring free blood pressure checks at the Perham Area Community Center on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Open to the public. No registration needed.

Sensory Swim: The Perham Area Community Center will host a Sensory Swim session on the second Saturday of every month from 10-11 a.m. in the Center's therapy pool. This session is for all children with special needs, including those with autism, neurodivergency and sensory sensitivities. There is no cost for Center members; non-members will pay the daily PACC admission rate.

Karaoke Night: The Salty Pickle Bar and Grill at 43974 390th St., Perham, will host karaoke every Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Open to the public.

Free Bowling: The Cactus in Perham offers free bowling with meal purchase every Wednesday, starting at 3 p.m. and continuing until closing time.

Friday Nights at the Silver Moon: The Silver Moon in Perham hosts meat raffles and horse racing every Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. Happy hour is from 4-6 p.m. and they will also serve a prime rib dinner starting at 5 p.m.

Office Prayer Group: Love INC will host an office prayer group every other Wednesday, starting at 9 a.m., in its Perham offices at 235 W. Main St. (inside the radio station). Open to all who are interested in being a "representative for prayer" in the community.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Elevate offers free blood pressure checks at the Perham Area Community Center every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. No appointment is necessary; just walk in and let us help you keep your heart in check. Call Katie Murdock at 218-347-1974 for more information.

Elevate Walking Club: Come to the Perham Area Community Center on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and join the Elevate Walking Club, which aims to get people of all ages out for some exercise in a warm, safe and sociable environment during the winter months, or outdoors at other times of the year, as weather permits. The first two walks are offered free of charge, but those who continue to participate are asked to join the PACC or Silver Sneakers. Participants can walk at their own pace. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated. Call 218-346-7710 for more information, or to sign up.

Kids' Open Gym: Perham's Vault gymnastics facility offers open gym sessions every Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m., for kids age 18 and under. Kids under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent to participate. Cost is $10 per child. Though these sessions are open to all kids, preregistration is required for admission; please sign up via the Parent Portal at perhamvault.com to reserve your child's spot.

After School at the PACC: The Perham Area Community Center offers an after-school program every Monday-Friday for kids ages 9-12. Cost is free to PACC members, or $5 per day for guests. Parents must sign their child up for the program prior to attendance; kids will receive a red card for their daily check-in. Call 218-346-7222 for more information.

Sit-n-Stitch: A weekly gathering of fiber artists takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the New York Mills Public Library. Free and open to all who are interested in learning about fiber arts, or enhancing their knowledge. All ages and experience levels welcome. This group is hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Call 218-385-3339 for more information.

Brew Trivia: Teams of 6 people or less are invited to come to Brew Ales and Eats, 124 E. Main St., Perham, from 3-6 p.m. every Sunday for some fun trivia competition. Prizes will be awarded after every round, and there will be football games playing on TV in the background.

Lakeside Tap Trivia Night: Lakeside Tap in Perham will host Trivia Night every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Unlimited team size; phones not allowed. Call 218-346-9473 for more information.

Zorbaz Trivia Mafia: Zorbaz on Little Pine Lake will be hosting a Trivia Mafia competition every Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. Learn more at triviamafia.com/zorbaz.

Poker at the Pickle: Every Thursday is Poker Night at the Salty Pickle Bar and Grill in Perham (43974 390th St.), starting at 7 p.m. Texas Hold 'Em is the game; free to play. Visit freepokernetwork.com for more information.

Reading Buddies Needed: Kinship is looking for volunteers to help Heart of the Lakes Elementary School kindergarten students with their reading skills. Volunteers will meet with their "reading buddy" at the school every other Wednesday for 30-60 minutes between the hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Kinship at 218-457-3019.

Grief Share Support Group: A Grief Share support group for those living with the loss of a loved one will take place on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 12-Dec. 5 at New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham. Register online at griefshare.org/findagroup or contact Jennifer Howey, 218-346-7203 or garden@newcreationperham.org for more information.

Library Storytimes: The Perham Area Public Library hosts Preschool Storytime every Tuesday, and Storytime with Becky on Thursdays, all starting at 10:15 a.m. Visit perhamlibrary.org or call 218-346-4892 for more information.

Baby and Toddler Storytime: The Fergus Falls Public Library will host storytime for babies and toddlers on both Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11-12, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Talk, sing, read, and play together in a format perfect for little ones! Help develop your child’s early literacy skills through songs, stories, nursery rhymes, and fun movement activities. Each session includes interactive playtime. Registration is not required.

Trivia Night: Thousand Lakes Brewing Co. in Parkers Prairie will host a Trivia Night every Thursday, with happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and trivia rounds starting at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. Zorbaz on Little Pine Lake will also be hosting a "Drink and Know Things" Trivia Night every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Both events are open to the public.

Baby Bin: Come look through the baby bin at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 8th St. NE, Perham, on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All WIC participants receive one pack of diapers and wet wipes. Everyone may look through our children's clothing, sizes 0-10.

Quilting: The Calvary Cut-Ups quilting group meets from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Questions? Contact Brenda Halvorson at 320-493-0802.

Food Pantries: The Bridge Pantry in Perham is open Tuesday mornings, 8 a.m. to noon, as well as from 3-5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month. Ruby's Pantry will be at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Perham on the fourth Saturday of every month, starting at 8 a.m.

Community Meal: Perham's New Creation Church welcomes the community to come enjoy a community meal from 5-6 p.m. every Wednesday. Cost is a free-will offering.

Fishermen's Lunch: Calvary Lutheran Church will host a fishermen's lunch on the first Thursday of every month, starting at noon. All men in the community are invited; no bible study, no business meeting, just lunch and good fun.

Celebrate Recovery: Every Tuesday night at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, Celebrate Recovery will meet for food and fellowship at 5 p.m., followed by a large group session and open share groups from 5:30-8 p.m. No cost to attend; childcare is available. Visit calvaryperham.com/recovery for more information.

Open AA Meeting: The Perham Solutions Alcoholics Anonymous group will host an open meeting at 43452 County Highway 34, Perham, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. For more information on meetings and times, call 877-833-2327.

Narcotics Anonymous: The Perham Alano Club, 43452 County Highway 34, Perham, will host Narcotics Anonymous meetings on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Widows Support Group: A widows support group meets at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at St. Henry's in Perham.

Live Wires: A fun group of "olders," the Live Wires meet for potluck and connection time every third Wednesday of the month at Crosspoint Alliance Church in Perham, starting at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo: Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Thumper Pond, Ottertail, and 6 p.m. at the New York Mills VFW, as well as "Bizingo" at Lakeside Tap in Perham, every Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m., Salty Pickle Bar and Grill in Perham; Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. at Big Pine Lodge, Perham, as well as 1 p.m. every Saturday at the New York Mills VFW; Sundays at 3 p.m., at both Billy's Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas, and the Salty Pickle in Perham (the latter also includes a prime rib meat raffle).

Tuesday Trivia Night: Billy's Corner Bar & Grill in Vergas will be offering Trivia Night every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Perham Networking Opportunity: The Nest in Perham will host a one-hour free business networking opportunity on the first Wednesday of every month, starting at 8:15 a.m. Personal introductions, sharing of upcoming events and projects, and a focus presentation. Coffee will be provided by the focus topic presenter.

Mah Jongg at Calvary Lutheran: Men and women are welcome to play Mah Jongg at Perham's Calvary Lutheran Church on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the library. No prior experience necessary, as experienced players will teach the game to newcomers.

Transfer Station Hours: The Otter Tail County Solid Waste Department has announced that it has switched over to the winter hours schedule for the solid waste transfer stations in Pelican Rapids and Fergus Falls, from now through the end of March. The Pelican Rapids transfer station will be open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The Fergus Falls transfer station will be open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. every Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month. Both stations will resume summer operating hours on April 1, 2025.

Mobile Vet Center Hours: Otter Tail County now offers Mobile Veteran's Center services to county veterans, from 1:30-3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Service locations within the county will vary each month, so veterans are encouraged to subscribe to Otter Tail County’s Notification Center for emails with the latest updates on Mobile Vet Center locations at ottertailcounty.gov/notification-center and check "Veteran Services News." The Mobile Vet Center will provide the same comprehensive services available at the Fargo and Grand Forks locations, now making them accessible to veterans in rural areas who face challenges with transportation. Services include, but are not limited to, various types of counseling for individuals and families, substance abuse assessment and referral, screening and referral for medical issues, benefits explanation and referral as well as outreach and education. Veterans who feel they may need services or wish to see if they qualify are encouraged to contact the Fargo Vet Center at 701-237-0942, the Fergus Falls Veterans Service office at 218-998-8605, or the New York Mills VSO office at 218-385-5540.

Compiled by Vicki Gerdes for the Perham Focus.